Anna Matthews Death – Reverend Anna Matthews, a Vicar of St Bene’t’s in Cambridge has passed away sadly. She was announced dead by the Diocese of Ely, The Church of England on its official website on Wednesday, March 8th, 2023. “It is with profound sadness that I share the news with you all that The Revd Anna Matthews, the Vicar of St Bene’t’s in Cambridge, died suddenly and tragically today. We commend her to the boundless love of the Lord she served so faithfully.” Bishop Stephen writes.
Who was Anna Matthews?
Since 2012, Anna has been serving as the Vicar of St. Bene’t’s. She was ordained in 2003 and served a curacy in the diocese of St. Albans prior to beginning her employment at St. Alban’s Cathedral, where she remained employed for the next six years. She thoroughly appreciates being back in Cambridge, which is not only where she completed her undergraduate studies in theology but also where she had her ordination training.
She was extremely intelligent, considerate, and sympathetic. She was an angel and a friend to everyone who sought her out because of her devoted friendship and giving spirit. Many turned to her for guidance and to accept the love, direction, and generosity that made her who she was. She had a spirit of exploration and made friends with everyone she encountered. She welcomed innumerable individuals who merely needed a helping hand, an open heart, and a listening ear.
St Bene’t’s Church Cambridge statement
Dear members of St Bene’t’s congregation, It is with great sadness that we are contacting you to let you know that Anna died at home yesterday. Some of you may have heard the tragic news on Wednesday evening through attendance at Evening Prayer and Lent Groups or contacted by those who were – to those of you who have not heard before now, this will come as a great shock and you will be devastated, as we all are. We apologize that we have not been able to contact you all yesterday but there has been much to do once we became aware of Anna’s sad death. Please do pass on the distressing news to your friends and contacts at St Bene’t’s and those in Cambridge and beyond in Anna’s huge circle of friends. There is no easy way to tell each other but word of mouth is preferable if feasible.
Please pray for Stephen and for his and Anna’s families at this time and we ask also that you respect their privacy. Stephen is being well supported and cared for by close friends and family who have traveled from across the country to be with him.
If you are able, please join us in prayers for Anna at the 12.30 Eucharist today, Thursday, at which Archdeacon Alex Hughes will preside. We understand that Bishop Stephen may join us on Sunday for the 10.00 am Eucharist but this has yet to be confirmed.
This will be a difficult time for us as a congregation as we navigate the tremendous chasm in the life and worship of St Bene’t’s that Anna’s sudden loss brings and the feelings of deep grief we all share. If you would like to speak to one of us at any stage, please contact us (see Tidings) or the church office ([email protected]) and we can arrange to speak or meet with you. As Bishop Stephen has said, we bear one another in this great loss.
With love and prayers,
Joy, Geoff, Andrea, Nicolas, Olga, Sophie, and Ed
Anna Matthews’ obituary and funeral arrangements will be released by the family at a later date.
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